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Jon, Administrative Coordinator at Healthcare Provider: Advize Career Interview
This interview with an Administrative Coordinator at a Healthcare Provider reveals a rewarding career path centered on patient care.
Starting with an associates degree and a desire for more patient interaction, the path led to supporting providers and patients in a memory clinic, assisting with cognitive assessments and providing essential support.
A typical day involves a blend of in-office preparation and remote patient contact, prioritizing clear communication and empathy to create a comfortable environment for patients dealing with sensitive conditions.
While time management presents a challenge due to a quadrupled workload, helping others and continuous learning opportunities, especially regarding dementia, make this industry fulfilling.
Success hinges on dedication to patient well-being, initiative, and a commitment to improving the patient experience.
Entry-level positions like receptionist or unit assistant provide a valuable entry point, with career advancement possible by leveraging experience and demonstrating patience and understanding.
Prioritizing relevant coursework, certifications, and continuous learning are key to setting oneself up for success in this patient-focused field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jon Zapanta
Administrative Coordinator
Healthcare Provider
Los Medanos Community College
Los Medanos Community College - AA Mathematics and Science
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Healthcare
Medical
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Memory Care Administrative Coordinator At Kaiser
Starting with aspirations to work in a refinery, the career path began with NDE technician work involving x-rays, leading to a shift after asbestos exposure; then a transition to Kaiser as an "imaging assistant" and eventually becoming a memory care admin coordinator at Kaiser in Oakland, seeking "more patient interaction." An associates degree in "liberal arts, math and science" was earned along the way.
Main Responsibilities Of An Administrative Coordinator In Healthcare
As an Administrative Coordinator at Kaiser's memory clinic, primary responsibilities include supporting three providers and one social worker across Oakland and Richmond locations, where they "cover about 100 to 150 patients per month" through tasks like assisting with questionnaires and administering Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tests. An important component of the role is contributing to building up the memory clinic, as patient load has almost quadrupled in the last three years.
A Day In The Life Of An Administrative Coordinator At A Healthcare Provider
An administrative coordinator at a healthcare provider spends time both in-office and working remotely, with in-office days spent preparing "educational materials" for patients and remote days dedicated to contacting "20 to 30 patients a day" to confirm appointments and address questions from patients and their care partners. Ultimately, the goal is to provide any "assistant that they need prior to meeting with our providers".
Most Important Skills for an Administrative Coordinator at a Healthcare Provider
For an Administrative Coordinator in healthcare, "it's all communication," requiring both strong customer service skills and the ability to "feel a little bit of sympathy," especially when interacting with patients experiencing memory loss, while also having the technical skills necessary to perform the job. Ultimately, the main focus is "interacting with patients, making them feel comfortable" when discussing sensitive conditions, which sometimes requires tact and patience.
Favorite Parts of Being an Administrative Coordinator at a Healthcare Provider
Jon enjoys the ability to help people in the healthcare setting, which has been a consistent theme throughout their career, starting as an emergency department clerk and evolving into a memory coordinator role where they can understand and support both patients and their care partners by "trying to fill myself in their shoes." Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of the position is "just knowing that you're helping someone out."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Administrative Coordinator In Healthcare
Jon's biggest challenge as an Administrative Coordinator at a healthcare provider is time management due to a quadrupled workload, expanding responsibilities such as administering memory tests, and the need to constantly prioritize tasks effectively. Fortunately, Jon appreciates the team environment where one can "figure out what works and what doesn't," despite the increased cognitive demands.
Favorite Parts of Working in Healthcare as an Administrative Coordinator
Jon enjoys working in healthcare, especially at Kaiser, because it offers the opportunity to directly help people and learn about their diverse perspectives, noting that "you actually get to learn the different perspective on people that's actually coming in." The role also provides continuous learning through seminars and webinars related to dementia and Alzheimer's, enabling them to support patients with memory issues by understanding their daily routines and connecting them with necessary resources, which is something they would love to see expand in the future.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Healthcare Industry, According to an Administrative Coordinator at a Healthcare Provider
To thrive as an Administrative Coordinator in healthcare, dedication to patient care above all else is critical, as is constantly seeking improvement in the patient experience, ensuring "patient care [is] first." A person must "show initiative" and "think outside the box" when addressing diverse patient needs and unique situations.
What An Administrative Coordinator At A Healthcare Provider Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Healthcare Industry
Jon wishes someone had emphasized the paramount importance of patient care, stating "patient care experience is always gonna be the one...always gonna reflect on your position," above all else, even logistics; further, Jon's diverse experiences within the healthcare system, from the emergency room to imaging to memory care, highlight the unique learning opportunities available by dealing with various patients, neurologists, and geriatric teams.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Administrative Coordinators
Jon suggests that many entry-level positions in healthcare, like "cashier, receptionist, unit assistant, [or] environmental services," are accessible with minimal experience, such as six months of customer service, emphasizing that starting with an on-call position is often the easiest way to get a foot in the door and unlock benefits, ultimately allowing for career advancement by leveraging experience gained in each role and moving up every three years. Jon's career trajectory reflects this advice as Jon moved up from an ED clerk position by leveraging experience in three different positions within eight to nine years, demonstrating the value of starting at entry-level and building skills for advancement.
Significant Career Lesson From An Administrative Coordinator At A Healthcare Provider
As an Administrative Coordinator at a Healthcare Provider, one significant lesson learned is the importance of patience and empathy with patients and their care partners, especially in stressful hospital environments; Jon emphasizes the need to "understand what others are going through before you, you speak" and to make patients feel comfortable, thereby reducing their stress and improving their overall experience, because "the way you talk to people is the way that they'll perceive it and then the way they'll react back to you".
How College Helped An Administrative Coordinator At A Healthcare Provider
To prepare for a career, Jon focused on "taking the correct classes," prioritizing pre-requisites to open up future opportunities, and gaining relevant certifications like BLS and medical terminology; in addition, computer science and drafting classes were taken to broaden knowledge, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and building upon a solid educational foundation. The goal was to "learn as much as you can, read as much as you can," before obtaining necessary credentials and pursuing further education.
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